Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing the required phase calculation in a telecommunications system in order to optimize system performance more quickly and with reduced complexity as compared to prior approaches to solving this problem. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the phase delay of the precursor equalizer (EQ) is calculated off-line and as a result it is not necessary to fill the precursor EQ delay line with the indicated number of symbols as in the previous approach. Additionally, because the precursor EQ is fractionally spaced, both sine and cosine values of the 4kHz tone's initial phase can be achieved simultaneously. As a result, only 36 quick timing sequence (QTS) symbols are needed in order to perform the required estimation.

Abstract: An improved data compression system and method is disclosed. The data compression method uses smaller fixed bit words to represent streams of digital data. The fixed bit words are sent instead of the streams of digital data. A table relating the fixed bit words and streams of digital data is provided as a dictionary. Each entry has a node which is indexed in a stored index. As additional fixed bit words are established for new streams of digital data, older fixed bit words are deleted from the dictionary. The older fixed bit words are prevented from being deleted if they are used for subsequent streams of data. There are a number of methods to determine how the older fixed bit words are retained which are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing the required phase calculation in a telecommunications system in order to optimize system performance more quickly and with reduced complexity as compared to prior approaches to solving this problem. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the phase delay of the precursor EQ is utilized for estimating the entire DFE phase shift by calculating the estimation exclusively based on an output of the precursor EQ this estimation is then used for adjusting the timing phase based on the phase estimation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing the required phase calculation in a telecommunications system in order to optimize system performance more quickly and with reduced complexity as compared to prior approaches to solving this problem. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the phase delay of the precursor EQ is calculated off-line and as a result it is not necessary to fill the precursor EQ delay line with the indicated number of symbols as in the previous approach. Additionally, because the precursor EQ is fractionally spaced, both sine and cosine values of the 4 kHz tone's initial phase can be achieved simultaneously. As a result, only 36 QTS symbols are needed in order to perform the required estimation.

Abstract: A conventional computer is coupled to an analog telephone transmission link by means of an analog/digital conversion interface adapter. Modem transmission is accomplished by performing the modulation and demodulation functions digitally in the computer's existing processor which executes programs which transfer data between the computer's memory and the interface adapter. Using the same interface adapter and existing processor, the arrangement may be used to send and receive images in the form of standard V.29 format facsimile data, to send and receive data operating as a synchronous IBM 3270 compatible terminal device, or to record and play back conventional voice transmissions rather than data to implement a telephone answering, voice message handling, and telemarketing systems.

Abstract: A method for determining characteristics of a data communication channel between first and second data communication devices. The method includes the step of sending a relatively low power digital probe signal over said channel from said first to said second data communication devices. The method further includes sending a second digital probe signal corresponding to an analog signal having a relatively high-frequency signal with a time-varying dc component from said first to said second data communication devices. The second data communication device receives a signal, said received signal corresponding to said probe signals sent by said first device. In addition, the second data communication device determines whether said received signal varies from a predetermined standard.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for encoding an image signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition module disposed to receive the image signal. A first processor is coupled to the acquisition module. At least one encoder processor is coupled to the first processor. The at least one encoder processor produces an encoded image signal under control of the first processor. The method includes the steps of converting an input image signal into a predetermined digital format and transferring the digital format image signal to at least one encoder processor. The method further includes the step of applying, at the at least one encoder processor, a hierarchical vector quantization compression algorithm to the digitized image signal. At the next step, a resultant encoded bit stream generated by the application of the algorithm is collected. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an ordinary modem to transmit and/or receive audio, video sequences or still images.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for encoding an image signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition module disposed to receive the image signal. A first processor is coupled to the acquisition module. At least one encoder processor is coupled to the first processor. The at least one encoder processor produces an encoded image signal under control of the first processor. The method includes the steps of converting an input image signal into a predetermined digital format and transferring the digital format image signal to at least one encoder processor. The method further includes the step of applying, at the at least one encoder processor, a hierarchical vector quantization compression algorithm to the digitized image signal. At the next step, a resultant encoded bit stream generated by the application of the algorithm is collected. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an ordinary modem to transmit and/or receive audio, video sequences or still images.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enabling bilateral transmission of digital data between a local area network and telephone company networks employing both analog and digital telephone lines. A modem modulates signals responsive to signals from a local area network representing an outgoing call to form digital telephone signals suitable for transmission by a telephone line and suitable for demodulation by receiving analog modems. A circuit switched time division multiplex bus transmits the digital telephone signals to the telephone line. The modem also demodulates incoming digital telephone signals to form digital network bus signals divided into packets. A packet bus transmits the digital network bus signals to a network interface which processes the signals and transmits them to the local area network.

Abstract: A full-duplex modem having improved transmission speeds over voice grade telephone circuits that extends the concepts of asymmetric transmission to include echo cancellation techniques. The preferred modem has a high speed forward channel and an overlapping low speed back channel and is capable of transmitting or receiving over either of the channels, depending on the relative data rates. A narrow band echo canceler substantially cancels all or part of reflected transmit signals. Because the echo cancellation technique employed is narrow band, there is a significant reduction in the complexity and computational requirements for the modem.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for encoding an image signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition module disposed to receive the image signal. A first processor is coupled to the acquisition module. At least one encoder processor is coupled to the first processor. The at least one encoder processor produces an encoded image signal under control of the first processor. The method includes the steps of converting an input image signal into a predetermined digital format and transferring the digital format image signal to at least one encoder processor. The method further includes the step of applying, at the at least one encoder processor, a hierarchical vector quantization compression algorithm to the digitized image signal. At the next step, a resultant encoded bit stream generated by the application of the algorithm is collected. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an ordinary modem to transmit and/or receive audio, video sequences or still images.

Abstract: The compression method utilizes a combination of both lossy and lossless compression to achieve significant compression while retaining very high subjective quality of the reconstructed or decompressed signal. Methods and apparatus for compression and decompression of digital audio data are provided. In one preferred embodiment, the compression method or apparatus employs an approximation of a psychoacoustic model for wavelet packet decomposition and has a bit rate control feedback loop particularly well suited to matching the output bit rate of the data compressor to the bandwidth capacity of a communication channel.

Abstract: A method of processing incoming digital telephone calls from remotely located call originators which are destined for receipt by a host computer system. The host computer system is linked to the telephone network by a network access server. The call originators may be any type of data terminal, such as a personal computer or a credit card swipe, which is connected to a modem. The network access server extracts control signals imparted onto the telephone line and correlates the control signals with particular communications, routing or applications protocols identified with the call originators. The modem in the network access server which answers the call is configured during the call connect process and placed in a compatible format for the communications protocol of the incoming call. This dynamic custom configuration of the modem reduces the overall telephone call connection and processing time.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for encoding an image signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition module disposed to receive the image signal. A first processor is coupled to the acquisition module. At least one encoder processor is coupled to the first processor. The at least one encoder processor produces an encoded image signal under control of the first processor. The method includes the steps of converting an input image signal into a predetermined digital format and transferring the digital format image signal to at least one encoder processor. The method further includes the step of applying, at the at least one encoder processor, a hierarchical vector quantization compression algorithm to the digitized image signal. At the next step, a resultant encoded bit stream generated by the application of the algorithm is collected. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an ordinary modem to transmit and/or receive audio, video sequences or still images.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for encoding an image signal. The apparatus includes an acquisition module disposed to receive the image signal. A first processor is coupled to the acquisition module. At least one encoder processor is coupled to the first processor. The at least one encoder processor produces an encoded image signal under control of the first processor. The method includes the steps of converting an input image signal into a predetermined digital format and transferring the digital format image signal to at least one encoder processor. The method further includes the step of applying, at the at least one encoder processor, a hierarchical vector quantization compression algorithm to the digitized image signal. At the next step, a resultant encoded bit stream generated by the application of the algorithm is collected. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an ordinary modem to transmit and/or receive audio, video sequences or still images.

Abstract: An electrical connector particularly adapted for use in a PCMCIA standard connector designed for increased performance, ease of manufacturing, and allowing the connector casing to contain a printed circuit board having larger components is presented. A grounding shield with a hallowed-out area is implemented in the connector casing to create more room for a PC board given the same amount of vertical clearance allowing componentry to be larger than would otherwise be possible. Further, the grounding shield has a soldering cup to allow better adhesion of the solder to the plated grounding shield and to allow the connector to be more easily manufactured. The buttons used to disengage the connector from its receptacle are extended outward from the connection to provide easier accessibility in limited space circumstances. Additionally, the casing and buttons have opposing angles in order to provide more convenient and sure grasping by the user.

Abstract: A bi-directional wire-line to local area network interface, used between a remote host on a local area network (LAN), and a wire-line carrier system. A LAN media access control and physical interface converts outgoing LAN data from a LAN to an outgoing-data packet with a machine readable format. A LAN transmission control protocol and internet protocol stack identifies a protocol type of the outgoing-data packet from the LAN-MAC and physical interface. When the outgoing-data packet does not have a modem control command, a protocol converter correlates the outgoing-data packet to a channel number and depacketizes the outgoing-data packet into outgoing-binary data. Using the channel number, a connection controller and signal transform polls the outgoing-binary data and transforms the outgoing-binary data to a digitized representation of an analog signal having pulse code modulation (PCM).

Abstract: A novel line-current protection circuit and method that is useable with a PCMCIA modem card is disclosed. The protection circuit is adapted to detect when an excessive voltage is present across the tip and the ring leads of a telephone subscriber loop by sensing the amount of line-current being supplied to line interface circuitry disposed on the PCMCIA modem card. The protection circuit includes a current sensing circuit portion that is placed in series with the tip lead and which detects when the line current exceeds a predetermined maximum amount. In the event the line current exceeds the maximum, the current sensing circuit asserts an excessive line current signal. A control and delay circuit causes the relay circuit to open the electrical connection between the modem and the telephone line only when the line current exceeds a predetermined maximum amount for a minimum amount of time.